Witnesses describe slow response time at air show crash

FAIRFIELD, Calif. - Thousands of spectators witnessed Sunday's plane crash during the air show in Solano County. As a result, the show had to be cancelled and Travis Air Force Base was evacuated. It took several hours to clear the grounds due to heavy traffic.Thousands of spectators witnessed Sunday's plane crash during the air show in Solano County.

But many witnesses have been highly critical of the response time.

Within seconds of the crash, the plane was fully engulfed in flames.

Witnesses say they didn't see emergency responders for at least 10 minutes.

"Everybody was waiting for the fire trucks to get there and what was more shocking that it took as many minutes as it did for them to actually get there," said Matt Carter.

Officials at the airbase said emergency crews were on standby at the airshow. Safety procedures prevent crews from being on the runway. "They have a clear zone that must be maintained and sanitized for an airshow," Travis Air Force Base Col. David Mott said.

But witnesses said it was that procedure that slowed down the response time. The pilot was pronounced dead at the scene.

The airshow was immediately cancelled and the base evacuated. No one was allowed onto the base for about two hours.

The National Safety Transportation Board will be investigating the crash and the response time.